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MU Coronavirus Fund Extends Eligibility Criteria

It has now been agreed to widen eligibility criteria for grants from the fund to include all full membership subscription rate payers and joint NEU / EIS / UCU MU members.

Published: 30 March 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
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Our staff have processed thousands of successful applications, helping musicians in their time of need.

Our Coronavirus Hardship Fund has been in successful operation for a week now. In that time our staff have processed thousands of successful applications, helping musicians in their time of need.

Any members in these categories who have already applied for a grant and been unsuccessful will be contacted in due course and will then receive a £200 grant payment.

The form has been updated to reflect the new, extended eligibility criteria. Find out more about the MU Coronavirus Hardship Fund and how to apply.

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